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Senate supports levy for Sugar Research Australia

The Senate has passed laws establishing a levy to fund research and development for the sugar industry, through the newly-formed, industry-supported Sugar Research Australia.

ABC

The Senate has unanimously passed laws that secure funding for the newly-formed research and development body, Sugar Research Australia.

There is wide industry support for the new body, which will be funded through a 70 cent per tonne levy on sugarcane processed, or sold for processing.

In speaking in favour of the bill ahead of the vote, Queensland Liberal Senator Ian Macdonald told the Senate that the Coalition was delighted to support the bill, which will facilitate further research and development for one of Queensland and northern NSW's most important agricultural industries.

Senator Macdonald also thanked the former Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig and Greens agriculture spokeswoman Senator Rachel Siewert for helping to facilitate the vote on the Sugar Research and Development Services bills, on what is expected to be the last sitting day of the 43rd parliament.